• DG assures continuity of ongoing excavations, hopeful of positive recruitment response from Mgt. Services Dept. 

While the Department of Archaeology is currently facing a significant shortage of employees, with over 1,400 positions vacant, the Director General (DG) of Archaeology, Prof. Thusitha Mendis, assured that ongoing excavations remain unaffected by the staff shortfall. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (25), Prof. Mendis revealed that there is a shortage of 1,488 employees, which includes both administrative staff and minor staff such as watchmen. “Due to this, it is difficult to carry on the work in the department, yet, we have to adhere to the Government's recruitment policy,” he stated.

He added that legal issues, such as fundamental rights cases filed by applicants concerning recruitment, have now been resolved, thus removing barriers to new hiring, if the Government permits it. Prof. Mendis highlighted that the department has raised this issue with the Department of Management Services, and expressed hope that the relevant authorities would take necessary steps to address the shortage promptly.

He emphasised: “The existing employee shortage would not affect ongoing excavations, as the department has managed the process without any obstruction.” He pointed out that while excavations can continue smoothly, the overall functioning of the department is hindered by the lack of personnel.

Several attempts made to contact the Department of Management Services proved futile.